Mponda Retains Board Support Despite Derby Defeats

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach Peter Mponda has retained the full confidence of the club’s board and ownership despite suffering consecutive defeats to city rivals Mighty Wanderers FC.

Mponda has faced mounting criticism from sections of the fanbase following three successive losses to Wanderers this season, including a humiliating 3-0 defeat—the club’s worst result against their rivals since 2010.

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Despite the recent setbacks, Mponda has overseen significant statistical improvement since replacing Kalisto Pasuwa, whose contract expired in December last year. The People’s Team currently sits just two points behind league leaders Mighty Wanderers and has already secured the Airtel Top 8 Cup this season.

The numbers tell a compelling story of progress:

• Last season (21 games): 33 points from 7 wins, 9 draws, and 3 losses
• 2023 season (20 games): 40 points from 11 wins, 7 draws, and 1 loss
• Current season (21 games): 49 points from 16 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats

Mponda’s achievement becomes even more impressive considering he inherited a squad that lost numerous starters before the current campaign began.

The head coach has shouldered blame for inconsistent performances in certain matches, with critics questioning his player recruitment decisions and relationship management within the squad. However, multiple sources confirm that Mponda enjoys unwavering support from the club’s hierarchy.

Club insiders emphasize that leadership views Mponda’s project as a long-term rebuild rather than expecting immediate results. The board remains committed to avoiding knee-jerk reactions based on isolated poor performances.

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Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga reinforced the club’s stance in an interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station, ruling out any discussion about the coach’s future.

“The coaches are already under pressure after recent results, and the club needs to support them and find solutions to the challenges. That’s how we ought to move forward,” Chigoga stated.

“Otherwise, finger-pointing will not help us. That is the best way of dealing with such situations and not being swayed by emotions. As we usually do, we will meet our coaches to review the current situation and see how best we can move forward. There is nothing like their jobs being on the line. The players and the coaches have our full support.”

Senior Sports writer Peter Fote of Times Group has backed Mponda to continue leading the rebuilding process, arguing that the current squad lacks the depth many expect.

“Bullets’ squad currently does not have enough quality players, and the club is lucky to have Mponda as their head coach. They are second in the league because of him, so I think he is the right man for the job,” Fote said during Sports 360 on Times Radio.

“They lost Nixon Nyasulu, Gomezgani Chirwa, Lloyd Aaron, Clyde Senaji, Ronald Chitiyo, and Alick Lungu, but they are still fighting for the championship. Wanderers, on the other hand, have a well-established team which they started building three seasons ago.”

Following the latest defeat, Mponda accepted full responsibility while shielding his players from criticism, particularly harsh reactions on social media.

“From what I’m seeing in training, I’m very happy with their response. Maybe the only thing which is making me sorry is the way some of our supporters behaved,” Mponda revealed.

“I don’t think it’s proper to be insulting the players because it’s me who selects them. If there is anything, I think they should come to me rather than talking to the players, because we will still need the players for the following derby.”

The latest setback came at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday, where Wanderers eliminated Bullets from the FDH Bank Cup with a 1-0 victory. Promise Kamwendo’s 88th-minute strike ended Bullets’ hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive final and pursuing a third title.

Despite the result, Mponda insisted his team’s performance deserved better.

“I feel for the supporters because we haven’t given them what they deserve, but the performance today was good. We dominated the game in both halves, but unfortunately, we are on the losing side again,” Mponda said, his voice heavy with regret.

“Wanderers scored from out of the blue; they capitalized on our loose marking and punished us. It’s very painful to take with the way we played today. We dominated the game, we did everything to win it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”